Police continue to sweep Gatwick Airport after security scare

These are the scenes outside Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal this afternoon as police continue to investigate a suspicious package found earlier today (Saturday, November 14).

The North Terminal was evacuated after police were alerted to “suspicious actions by a man who discarded an item at the airport” shortly after 9:30am.

Eyewitness Tim Unwin has been tweeting from inside the Sofitel Hotel at Gatwick, where the evacuated persons are currently being held and provided with free refreshments.

Mr Unwin tweeted: “Dogs sweeping Gatwick North still - another 30 mins or so. It seems that man was arrested with a firearm, and his bag was then destroyed by army with a controlled explosion.”

Royal Logistic Corps bomb disposal teams are currently at Gatwick Airport, alongside Sussex Police and West Sussex Fire and Rescue’s technical rescue unit.

A spokesperson from Sussex Police said: “The North Terminal at Gatwick has been evacuated as police deal with an incident at the airport.

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“Police were called at around 9.30am on Saturday morning (November 14) following suspicious actions by a man who discarded an item at the airport. The man was arrested and EOD specialists have been called to the airport to investigate the item.”

Detective Superintendent Nick May said: “At this time, we are investigating the circumstances of the incident and it is too early to say what the item may be. However, given the events in Paris on Friday evening, there is heightened awareness around any such incident and it is best that we treat the matter in all seriousness.

“We are aware that there is concern about what has happened in France, but the general threat level remains the same and people should be aware as usual of anyone acting suspiciously.”

Photos by Eddie Mitchell.

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